Thursday, January 21, 2010
Northampton Saints punish Perpignan
The score was only 6-0 at halftime, but three quick tries in the second half, as well as a later bonus point try by Jon Clarke, sealed the victory.
Ben Foden was on devastating form, cutting the line from the back and setting up a try for Chris Ashton, as well as playing a part in other attacks. Ashton, Phil Dowson, and Lee Dickson crossed for tries, before Clarkes late effort delighted the home crowd.
Saints captain Dylan Hartley put the victory down to a lot of hard work.
It's all down to our mentality really. We work hard in the week, we work hard for each other and on the pitch we play for the full 80 minutes," the England hooker said.
The bonus point win has set up a mouth watering all or nothing encounter with Munster on Friday night. Saints now have a chance of qualification but will need to win to make sure theyre in the knock-out stage.
"Everyone knows who Munster are and what they can do," Hartley added.
"We've just got to treat this as though it's our last game. We'll go out there and play, and we have to win it.
"Heineken Cup rugby is special. When you take on sides like Perpignan and Munster it's as close to an international as you'll get. They're massive teams and massive occasions."
Time: 03:11
Posted at 5:21 pm | 20 comments
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Viewing 20 comments
Huh!! the 3rd January 21, 2010 7:28 pm
Great win, Perpignan didn't just roll over, which makes the 5 pointer a great result.
Before English club's fans give out about another Premiership team having to play in Thomond on a Friday night (especially since this game was on Sun giving Northampton only a 5 day turnaround) giving Munster the advantage. This season Munster requested the ERC and Sky to stop giving them this slot. However, in the world of ratings and advertising Sky need a big draw to open up their weekend action and the 2 Irish provinces seem to always fit the bill. How Sky ignored Northampton's lack of preparation is beyond me and I'm sure all their fans. Hope its a great game all the same.
Before English club's fans give out about another Premiership team having to play in Thomond on a Friday night (especially since this game was on Sun giving Northampton only a 5 day turnaround) giving Munster the advantage. This season Munster requested the ERC and Sky to stop giving them this slot. However, in the world of ratings and advertising Sky need a big draw to open up their weekend action and the 2 Irish provinces seem to always fit the bill. How Sky ignored Northampton's lack of preparation is beyond me and I'm sure all their fans. Hope its a great game all the same.
Anonymous January 21, 2010 8:35 pm
Always an ejoyment to see the french getting spanked. can't wait to do it again in the 6N
Class Act January 21, 2010 9:12 pm
ben foden is the most overrated player in the NH! he`s greedy and when he makes a mistake he blames his teammates! it sickens me to see the coverage he gets in england...such an average player
Anonymous January 21, 2010 10:00 pm
Northhampton are gonna get their asses handed to them at Thomond.
O'Connell will dismantle their lineout. Earls will burn them and ROG will kick his penalties. End of really.
O'Connell will dismantle their lineout. Earls will burn them and ROG will kick his penalties. End of really.
no9 January 21, 2010 10:13 pm
ben foden was in the build up to all of thoose try's.
he's got to start for england v wales
he's got to start for england v wales
sebastian January 21, 2010 10:18 pm
i would like foden to play in my team, i dont think he is overrated at all
Anonymous January 21, 2010 11:01 pm
He's multi-talented too sebastian haha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRTz7MIO0Cs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRTz7MIO0Cs&feature=related
Nolan January 21, 2010 11:33 pm
wow that's one of the best performances I've seen by an English team, if not the best. and i love the way the backs turn to the inside to draw out the defenders, creating plenty of room for the pass receiver. Great job Northampton.
Anonymous January 22, 2010 12:39 am
Great win by the saints but Perpignan knew that there was no point in wining and left 4 internationals and 2 key players at home in ordder to rest.
Chris M January 22, 2010 9:47 am
@Class Act, that statement is wrong in so many different ways. Foden is absolute class, without the doubt the best fullback in the Premiership at the moment. Judging from your comments I assume you didn't watch the above clip, as he was in the build up to all of the tries. He has explosive pace, is good defensively and has great vision.
In fact you might even go as far as to say that he is the most underrated player in England, because up until now he hasn't really had any chance to play for the national side, which fans have been crying for for months. Due to the fact he runs the ball more than kicks, Johnson has been scared to play him which I think is an appalling reason not to play someone, and puts the game into even more disrepute.
Can I assume that you are from the Southern Hemisphere? If so sure your fullbacks are all of a very high standard, but I struggle to think of one that could match Foden in his prime. Muliaina, Ashley Cooper, Steyn, they're all class acts, but I can't really pick out one of them that could challenge Foden in his prime.
In fact you might even go as far as to say that he is the most underrated player in England, because up until now he hasn't really had any chance to play for the national side, which fans have been crying for for months. Due to the fact he runs the ball more than kicks, Johnson has been scared to play him which I think is an appalling reason not to play someone, and puts the game into even more disrepute.
Can I assume that you are from the Southern Hemisphere? If so sure your fullbacks are all of a very high standard, but I struggle to think of one that could match Foden in his prime. Muliaina, Ashley Cooper, Steyn, they're all class acts, but I can't really pick out one of them that could challenge Foden in his prime.
Anonymous January 22, 2010 9:55 am
Hahaha the commentator goes crazy "unbelievable!!!!". Looks like that's the first time of his life he sees an english team scoring more than one try in a game!
The Inside Shoulder January 22, 2010 12:45 pm
Chris M - Think you've got a bit carried away there.
While i agree with most of your post i think to say that he's better than Muliaina, Ashley Cooper and Steyn when he hasnt even proven himself on an international stage yet is a bit naive.
There's a big difference between looking good in Europe/GP and vs the southern hemisphere.
Still a quality player and i hope he can make the step up over 6N's.
While i agree with most of your post i think to say that he's better than Muliaina, Ashley Cooper and Steyn when he hasnt even proven himself on an international stage yet is a bit naive.
There's a big difference between looking good in Europe/GP and vs the southern hemisphere.
Still a quality player and i hope he can make the step up over 6N's.
Anonymous January 22, 2010 1:40 pm
chris m - foden cant catch huigh balls.......or at least he hasnt up until now. if he survives munsters up and under onslaught he will no doubt recieve, ill happily eat my words. basically, if foden is to be considered a full back, he has to perform tonight.
otherwise hes another has been, and Armitage is better anyway.
otherwise hes another has been, and Armitage is better anyway.
Anonymous January 22, 2010 2:05 pm
my god was that an english team!!
One of those tries was unbelievable.
One of those tries was unbelievable.
b foden January 22, 2010 5:01 pm
Anonymous said...
Northhampton are gonna get their asses handed to them at Thomond.
O'Connell will dismantle their lineout. Earls will burn them and ROG will kick his penalties. End of really.
i think the lawe will have something to say about that
Northhampton are gonna get their asses handed to them at Thomond.
O'Connell will dismantle their lineout. Earls will burn them and ROG will kick his penalties. End of really.
i think the lawe will have something to say about that
Anonymous January 22, 2010 6:35 pm
Great game by the saints, easily the best game of the weak, I will be fun to see who starts for England, Foden or Armitage?
Class Act January 22, 2010 7:56 pm
@ chris m
i have to back up the inside shoulder here! stop wasting your breadth! he`s not fit to lace muliaina`s boots never mind comparing the two! he`s never even played international rugby and your comparing him to muliaina....catch a grip!
tonight will be his biggest test...we`ll see after!
i have to back up the inside shoulder here! stop wasting your breadth! he`s not fit to lace muliaina`s boots never mind comparing the two! he`s never even played international rugby and your comparing him to muliaina....catch a grip!
tonight will be his biggest test...we`ll see after!
Maximus January 22, 2010 7:56 pm
The way Perpignan screwed up this HCup is... well, can't find words hard enough. Good game Saints, congrats!
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